Opioid Addiction Symptoms

Opioid addiction symptoms can consist of the physical or psychological symptoms of using, but they can also include general addiction symptoms and drug-seeking behaviors. Addiction symptoms can occur with the use of opioids such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and fentanyl. The term opioid technically refers to synthetic and semi-synthetic forms of opium, such as that found in prescription painkillers. However, the terms opioid and opiate tend to be used interchangeably.

What Are Some Opioid Addiction Symptoms

Many long-term users of prescription painkillers eventually develop a tolerance, which can then trigger opioid addiction symptoms. A relatively high number of those who become addicted to prescription painkillers may end up turning to heroin as it offers similar effects for a cheaper price. The major symptom of addiction, in general, tends to be the continued use of a substance despite negative consequences.

If you suspect that a loved one has an opioid addiction, you may notice physical signs such as very noticeable moods of either elation or sedation. You may also notice periods of confusion, constricted pupils, and slow breathing. The person may randomly nod off. They may complain of constipation.

Other signs to look for include general behavior signs such as a lot of doctor appointments, dramatic mood changes, extra pill bottles on their person or in the trash, sudden financial difficulties and a marked changed in social behavior such as increased isolation.

When someone with an opioid addiction cannot get their usual dose, they will begin to demonstrate opioid withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, anxiety, sweating, and insomnia. They will also experience extreme cravings for opioids.

How To Deal With Opioid Addiction Symptoms

While opioid addiction symptoms can present in several different ways, the three main things to understand about addiction include the following:

The person will have a compulsive need to use the drug and be unable to stop.

They will have a loss of control over the amount they use and how frequently.

They will continue to use the drug despite negative consequences such as declining health or financial problems.

Drug-seeking behavior becomes the defining purpose of an addicted person’s life, and they will prioritize it above all else.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person addicted to a substance will display at least three of the following signs:

Substance tolerance

Withdrawal symptoms

Taking larger amounts of the substance over time

Desire and effort spent on reducing or stopping drug use without success

Strong drive to obtain and use the drug

Losing interest in previous interests and social interactions

Continuing to use the drug despite knowing the health impact

In everyday life terms, you may see your loved one stop engaging in previously enjoyed interests and activities. They may begin to neglect responsibilities, including school or work. They may start to exhibit secretive behavior and a lack of caring about their hygiene or appearance.

Treatment For Opioid Addiction Symptoms

One of the first steps to treating an opioid addiction is detox. Most opioid users have, at some point, experienced the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with reducing or stopping use. It may be their biggest obstacle to seeking treatment. Fortunately, a quality treatment center such as Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida can help you, and your loved one understand the question of “what are opioids” and the symptoms of addiction.

Beaches Recovery Detox at Tides Edge offers medical detox to help patients get free of the physical effects of the drug before continuing further treatment. Some of the treatment options at Beaches include:

Don’t let opioid addiction symptoms control your life or the life of a loved one. Seek help today at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida. Give us a call at 866-605-0532 to get started on the journey to recovery.